Bag



Jan. 20, 1959 R. J. WVILLIAMS BAG 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 26, 1956Jan. 20, 1959 R. J. WILLIAMS BAG 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 26, 1956BAG Russell J. Williams, Clayton, Mo., assignor to Bemis Bro. BagCompany, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application March 26,1956, Serial No. 573,853

7 Claims. (Cl. 229--55) This invention relates to bags, and moreparticularly to multi-ply paper bags having laterally offset ply seams.

Among the several objects of this invention may be noted the provisionof a mode of reinforcing multi piy bags of the class described at theirend closures to offset the weakness otherwise caused by the formation ofthe closures, which eliminates any necessity for the use of one or morecomplete extra plies to offset the weakening efi'ect of the closures,thereby effecting great saving of paper in quantity production; and theprovision of bags with the stated reinforcement adapted for economicalmanufacture. Other objects and features will be in part apparent and inpart pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the'constructions hereinafterdescribed, the scope of the invention being indicated in the followingclaims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which several of various possibleembodiments of the invention are illustrated,

Fig. 1 is a semi-diagrammatic view in perspective illustra'tingprocedure in the manufacture of gusseted stitched bottom bags inaccordance with this invention;

"Fig; 1A is an enlarged continuationof Fig. l illustrating further stepsin the procedure;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of a gusseted stitched bottom bag ofthis invention as it appears from one side thereof, part of the outerply of the bag being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a View in perspective showing the other side of the Fig. 2bag, part of the outer ply of the bag being broken away;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-section taken on line 44 of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating a modification; and,

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 illustrating another modification.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corre sponding partsthroughout the several. views of the drawings.

Referring to the drawings, Figs. l4 illustrate the manufacture ofgnsseted multi-ply stitched-bottom paper bags in accordance with thisinvention. plication of the disclosure, the manufacture of two-ply bagsis shown, but it will be understood that the prin ciples of theinvention are applicable to the manufacture of bags with more than twoplies. In accordance with this invention as it pertains to themanufacture of twoply bags, two webs of paper 1 and 3 are continuouslydrawn from supply rolls 5 and 7, combined to form a two-ply web at acombining guide 9, and the two-ply web is continuously fed through aconventional tuber (not illustrated) to be formed into tubing. Guide 9is shown asa roll. The webs 1 and 3 travel to the roll 9 in spacedpaths, converging together at the roll to form a two-ply web. Theweb 1,which eventually becomes the inner ply of thetubing, is shown astravelling from supply roll 5 over an" upper guide roll 11 from which itleads down- To avoid comatent O ward to the combining roll 9. The web 3,which eventually becomes the outer ply of the tubing, is shown astravelling from supply roll 7 around a lower guide roll 13, from whichit travels upward to a guide roll 15, thence forward to a guide roll 17,and thence forward and downward to the combining roll 9. The bite ofwebs 1 and 3 (i. e., the transverse line on which they come intoengagement) is indicated at B. The webs 1 and 3 are combined inlaterally offset relation, as is conventional in the manufacture ofmulti-ply paper bags.

As the webs 1 and 3 are combined at the combining roll 9, rows or bandsR of reinforcing patches 21 are fed in between the webs and pasted inbetween them, the rows or hands R being spaced at bag length intervalsalong the length of the composite two-ply web formed at the combiningroll. Each row or band R is shown as having six patches 21 arrangedside-by-side with the side edges of adjacent patches abutting oneanother. The six patches 21 are severed from six continuous strips 8-1to 8-6 of patch material drawn from six supply rolls SR-l to SR-6. Forutmost economy, the strips 8-1 to S6 may be strips of paper resultingfrom trimming operations in the bag factory otherwise disposed of asscrap. As shown in Fig. l, the total width of the six strips is somewhatless than the width of webs 11 and 3. The strips 5-1 to 8-6 are drawnfrom the supply rolls SR1 to SR6 at a speed less than the speed of Webs1 and 3 by a pair of draw rolls 27. They are fed by the draw rolls in adownwardly inclined path through a cutter 29 and between the convergingwebs 1 and 3 into the bite B of the webs. The cutter 29, as shown, maycomprise an anvil roll 31 and a double-blade cutter 33, and is adaptedto sever the strips into patches which are of an appropri ate dimensionin the longitudinal direction of the webs 1 and 3. What the appropriatelongitudinal dimension is will be later made clear in reference to thefinished bags. The line on which the cutter cuts the strips is spacedfrom the bite B of webs 1 and 3 a distance corresponding generally tothe desired longitudinal dimension for the patches. The timing of thecutter is such that it severs the strips to form a row of patchessubstantially at the instant that the ends of the strips are caught inthe bite of webs 1 and 3, and the severed patches are thereupon drawn inbetween the webs 1 and 3 at the speed at which webs 1 and 3 aretravelling. The patches are pulled away from the freshly cut ends of thestrips since the strips are fed by the draw rolls 27 at a speed lowerthan the speed of the webs 1 and 3, and the rows of patches drawn inbetween the webs 1 and 3 are spaced along the length of the webs 1 and 3at equal intervals. Since the strips S-1 to 8-6 are simultaneouslysevered by the cutter 33, the edges of the patches 21 in each row Rwhich extend transversely of the webs 1 and 3 are aligned. The speed ofthe strips in relation to the speed of webs 3i and 3 is made such thatthe spacing of the rows of patches corresponds to the desired length ofthe bags to be manufactured.

The rows or hands R of patches 21 are shown as being pasted in betweenthe webs 1 and 3 by applying a pattern of adhesive (paste) to the insidesurface of the web 3 as it travels toward the combining roll 9. Asillustrated, this is accomplished by means of a spot paster 35 adaptedto apply a pair of rows of spots 37b and 37t across the width of the web3, the two rows of the pair being spaced longitudinally of the web adistance somewhat less than the longitudinal dimension of the rows ofpatches 21, and with successively applied pairs spaced at bag lengthintervals along the length of the web. The timing of the paster is suchthat each pair of rows of paste spots 37b and 37t registers with a row Rof patches 21 as the row of patches is drawn in between the webs 1 and3, with the two'rows 37b and 37: lying on opposite sides of thetransverse center line C-C of the row of patches and closely adjacentthose edges of the row which extend transversely of the webs.

Thus, there issues from the combining roll 'Qthe composite web 39consisting of the webs or plies 1 and 3 with the rows or hands R ofpatches 23 pasted in between the plies at bag length intervals along thelength of the composite web. In accordance with the invention asillustratcd in Fig. l, the rows 'or bands of patches extend from nearone side margin of the composite web 39 to near the other. The compositeweb travels around a roll 41 and thence to a tuber (not illustrated)where it is formed in conventional manner into a gusseted tubing 43 inwhich the two edges of each ply are overlapped and secured directlytogether throughout their length by 15 adhesive to form an individualtube having a longitudinal seam. The seams of the resultant inner andouter tubes are designated 45 and 4,7. These are laterally offset fromone another, extending generally centrally of the back wall of thetubing. The, gussets are designated 49. 2 As a result ofthe previouslydescribed operations, the tubing 43 is two-ply tubing and has the rowsor bands R of patches 21 pasted in between its plies spaced at baglength intervals along its length, as shown in Fig. 1A. The rows ofpatches extend substantially completely girthwise of the tubing fromnearone side of the seamed region of the tubing to near the other sidethereof. Here it will be understood that the combined width of the sixpatch-forming strips 8-1 to 8-6 and hence the transverse dimension ofthe row or band of patches 21 is somewhat less than the width of theply-forming webs 1 and 3 so that the rows. of patches. do not extendinto the ply seams, otherwise the tubing (and bags to be formed there--from) would be unduly thickened at the seams.

The tubing 43 is severed into individual baglengths 51 on the transversecenter lines C-C of the rows or bands R of patches 21' (see Fig. 1A.).This divides each individual row =R, into two rows or bands Rb and RIand each patch 211 into two patches 21b and Bit. It, resu'ts in 'eac.bag length 51 having a row or band Rb of patches 2:!) at one end and arow or band Rt of patches 21t at the other. The transverse edges of thepatches 21b at said one end of the bag length are aligned and coincidentwith said one end. The transverse edges of the patches 21b away fromsaid one end are aligned. The tr nsvzrse edges of the patches '21:. atsaid other end of the bag length are aligned and coincident with saidother end. The transverse edges of the patches Zlt away from said otherend are aligned The patches 23bof each bag length are pasted inbetweenthe two plies It and 3 of 5 the bag length by the row of spots 37!), andthe patches Zlt are pasted, in between the plies by he row of spcts 37!.The'rows of spots 31b and 372, having originally n loc t d dj en he. trnsverseedges.- of rows R of patches 2 1, are located on transverse linesadjacent the inner edges of the patches; spaced from the; respectiveends of the bag length. v v

Each bag length is bottomed by stitching together its front and backwalls adjacent o-neend of the bag length (the end including patches 21b)as indicated at, 53 in Figs-2 and 3. The stitches extend through thepatches 21b and also through the gusset s49. The line. ofstitchingisofiset from the row of paste-spots 3T-'-b,-being lo'c-atedoutward from (below) spots 371). This is important in order that thestitches not be driven through pasted areas, and accounts for thedisposition of the rows 37b (and 371) adjacent the transverse edges ofthe rows R of patches 21. Here it will be observed that the: dimensionof patch zl'b heightwise of the bag (longitudinally of plies 1 and 3)need be only sufficient to account for the spacingo-f the stitchingabove the bottom of the bag (standard spacing being one-half inch) plusenough space for the paste spots, and it Will be clear that theappropriatelongitudinal -dimension for eachpatch Zlis twice this.Each-bag length is also ultimately closed, at its top bya line-ofstitching like stitching 53, with the top stitches extendingthrou'gh.

the patches 21: above the row of paste spots 37:. It will be understoodthat the top closure may be formed either after filling, or after theformation of a valve and before filling.

In the filled bag provided with the stitched bottom and top closures,the rows or bands Rb and Rt of patches 21b and Mt act as reinforcementto prevent the stitches from cutting through the bag plies under strainsuch as is in curred when the bag is dropped. This reinforcement results from the patches being pasted in between the bag plies, wherebythey are locked against moving outward from between the plies. Each rowRb and R1." of patches provides two extra thicknesses of paper forreinforcement, except in the region of the ply seams, but here t ere aretwo extra thicknesses irrespective of the patches in view of theoverlapping of the margins of the plies. Hence, the absence of patchmaterial in the region of the ply seams is not detrimental to thestrength of the bag.

As to bags sold with open months, it, is desirable to have the patchesat the mouth. pasted. to both plies so that the plies are securedtogether at the mouth. .In some cases it may be desirable to have thepatches at both top and bottom pasted to both plies more securely tolock them in between the plies. This may be particularly desirable wherethe patch material is of considerably highor strength than the bag plymaterial and additional pasting is needed to utilize the full strengthof the. patch material. Under these circumstances, paste may be ap pliedto web 1, as well as to, web 3,. by a pater similar to the pastor 35.

The bags may be manufactured with. more than two. plies simply bycombining additional Webs with. Webs. E. and 3 at the combining roll 9;as win; be readily understood. it. is also contemplated. that bags whichhave more than two plies may have more than one: row or band of patchesat each end. For. example, a three-ply bag have two rows of patches at.cachend, one row pasted in between the inner ply and intermediateply,and the other row pasted in between the intermediate ply and the outerply.

As above described, the patches 21 and hence the patches 21b and Zltinto which the patches 21 are divided are arranged side-by-side with theside. edges of adjacent patches abutting one another. It will beunderstood, however, that precise abutment ojr alignment of the sideedges or" adjacent patches is not essential. The side edges of adjacentpatches may be only substantially aligned, either overlapping to someextent or being spaced to some extent. Hereinafter, when reference ismade to the side edges of adjacent patches as being substantiallyaligned, it 'will be understood that this includes overla ping orspacing of the side'edge's to some extentas well as precise abutment oralignment of the side. edges.

It is'contemplated that the rows Rb. andfRt cit-patches 21b and 22.: maybe pasted in betweenthe pliesv ofthe'bag on the outside of the lines ofstitching as well a'son the inside of the lines of stitching. As showninFig. '5,'row Rb of patches 21b is pasted in between the plies by a rowof paste spots 38b located outward of the line of stitching 53 as wellas by the row-of paste spots 37]) located inward of the line ofstitching. Row Rt of patches 23:: is'pa'st'ed inbetween the plies by arow of paste spots 38: spaced from the row of paste spots 37! toward thetop edge of the bag so that the line of stitching for closing the top ofthe bag may be driven between the rows 372' and 38!.

It is also contemplated that the rows Rb and R1 of patches 21!) and 212may be pasted inbetween the plies only on the outside of thelinesofstitching. shown i Fi 6, w Rb 0tv patches .211). is pastedinbetweenthe plies only by the row of paste spotsfitlb located outwardof the line ofstitching 53. Row R! of, patches 23 is pasted in betweenthe plies-only by the row ofjpaste spots 331- located adjacent thetopedgeof the: bag. so iilfiixlht:

line of stitching for closing the top of the bag may be driven inward of(below) the row 38t.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention, it is intended that allmatter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanyingdrawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limitingsense.

I claim:

1. A multi-ply paper bag formed from a length of multiply paper tubingand having a front wall and a back wall, the plies of the tubing havingthe edges thereof which extend lengthwise of the tubing laterallyoffset, the two edges of each ply being overlapped and secured togetherby adhesive to form an individual tube having a longitudinal scam, theseams of said individual tubes being laterally offset by reason of thelateral offset of the edges of the plies, and all of the seams beinglocated in the back wall of the length of tubing, said tubing having atleast one end thereof a band of reinforcing material extending girthwiseof the tubing between two of said individual tubes across the front walland around into the back wall, the length of said band being less thanthe girth of said tubing and said band being so positioned in relationto the girth of said tubing as to terminate short of the seam of atleast one of said two tubes, said band comprising a plurality ofindividual patches of reinforcing material pasted in between the pliesof the tubing arranged sideby-side in a row extending transversely ofthe bag, and the two edges of each ply included in the seam of therespective tube being adhered directly together throughout the entirelength of the seam, means anchoring the hand between said two tubes, andmeans securing together portions of said front and back walls of thetubing at said end of the tubing to provide a closure, said band havinga portion thereof located within and reinforcing said closure.

2. A multi-ply paper bag formed from a length of multi-ply paper tubingand having a front wall and a back wall, the plies of the tubing havingthe edges thereof which extend lengthwise of the tubing laterallyoffset, the two edges of each ply being overlapped and secured togetherby adhesive to form an individual tube having a longitudinal scam, theseams of said individual tubes being laterally offset by reason of thelateral offset of the edges of the plies, and all of the seams beinglocated in a region of the back wall of the length of tubing, two

bands of reinforcing material, one at each end of the length of tubing,extending girthwise of the tubing between two of said individual tubesthereof across the front wall and around into the back wall, the lengthof each of said bands being less than the girth of said tubing and saidbands being so positioned in relation to the girth of said tubing as toextend from near one side to near the other side of the said seamedregion of the back wall of the length of tubing and terminate short ofsaid seamed region, each of said bands comprising a plurality ofindividual patches of reinforcing material pasted in between the pliesof the tubing arranged side-by-side in a row extending transversely ofthe bag, and the two edges of each ply included in the seam of therespective tube being adhered directly together throughout the entirelength of the seam, means anchoring the bands between said plies, and aline of stitching closing at least one end of the bag and extendingthrough the band at said end of the bag, said hand through its anchoragebetween the plies acting as reinforcement to prevent the stitching fromcutting through the bag plies.

3. A multi-ply paper bag as set forth in claim 2 wherein the inner edgesof the patches in each row are aligned, the outer edges of the patchesin each row are aligned, and the side edges of the patches in each roware substantially aligned.

4. A multi-ply paper bag formed from a length of multi-ply paper tubingand having a front wall and a back wall, the plies of the tubing havingthe edges thereof which extend lengthwise of the tubing laterallyoffset, the two edges of each ply being overlapped and secured togetherby adhesive to form an individual tube having a longitudinal scam, theseams of said individual tubes being laterally oifset by reason of thelateral offset of the edges of the plies, and all of the seams beinglocated in a region of the back wall of the length of tubing, two bandsof reinforcing material, one at each end, of the length of tubing,extending girthwise of the tubing between two of said individual tubesthereof across the front wall and around into the back wall, the lengthof each of the said bands being less than the girth of said tubing andsaid bands being so positioned in relation to the girth of said tubingas to extend from near one side to near the other side of the saidseamed region of the back wall of the length of tubing and terminateshort of said seamed region, each of said bands comprising a pluralityof individual patches of reinforcing material pasted in between theplies of the tubing arranged side-by-side in a row extendingtransversely of said bag, and the two edges of each ply included in theseam of the respective tube being adhered directly together throughoutthe en tire length of the seam, means anchoring the hands between saidplies, and a line of stitching closing at least one end of the bag withthe stitches extending through said patches of the band at said end ofthe bag, the line of stitching being offset from the paste, said bandthrough 'its anchorage between the plies acting as reinforcement toprevent the stitching from cutting through the bag plies.

5. A multi-ply paper bag as set forth in claim 4 wherein the patches arepasted in between the plies solely in the region inward of the line ofstitching.

6. A multi-ply paper bag as set forth in claim 4 wherein the patches arepasted in between the plies in the region inward of the line ofstitching and also in the region outward of the line of stitching.

7. A multi-ply paper bag as set forth in claim 4 wherein the patches arepasted in between the plies solely in the region outward of the line ofstitching.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS962,934 Weatherwax June 28, 1910 1,920,700 Jaite Aug. 1, 1933 2,020,300Cundall Nov. 12, 1935 2,116,571 Gurwick May 10, 1938 2,220,874 WatersNov. 5, 1940 2,311,733 Bushman Feb. 23, 1943 2,330,015 Stokes Sept. 21,1943 2,493,349 Hoppe Jan. 3, 1950 2,625,318 Ross Jan. 13, 1953 FOREIGNPATENTS 512,903 Belgium Aug. 14, 1952

